Joshua 5:14
And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easy to miss is that the figure identifies himself not just as a military leader, but as the "commander of the army of the Lord" – the heavenly host, the angels themselves. This isn't just a divine messenger; it's God's ultimate warrior, implying Joshua's battles are part of a cosmic conflict. Joshua's immediate prostration and worship reveals he understands he's in the presence of God himself, not merely an angel.
Just before this encounter, Joshua is by Jericho, likely surveying the formidable city and planning his strategy. Then, a striking figure appears with a drawn sword, prompting Joshua to question his allegiance. This verse captures the pivotal moment when Joshua realizes he's not facing an ordinary warrior but the divine Commander of the Lord's armies, leading him to fall in worship and seek divine instruction for the immense task ahead.
Joshua, facing the formidable walls of Jericho, encounters a figure with a drawn sword. Who is this mysterious stranger, and why is he so significant?
The identity of the "man" Joshua meets is crucial. He declares himself "the commander of the army of the LORD." This isn't just any angel; the biblical text strongly points to this being the pre-incarnate Son of God, the Angel of the Covenant.
The Divine Commander
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When confronted by such divine authority, how should one react? Joshua's response is immediate and profound.
Joshua's reaction is not one of fear, but of profound reverence and immediate submission. He falls on his face and worships, acknowledging the divine authority before him. This posture is not just physical; it signifies a deep inner yielding.
The Heart of True Worship
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
Yahweh, the covenant name of God in the Old Testament, representing His self-existence, faithfulness, and redeeming relationship with His people.
shachah · Hebrew Verb
The act of showing profound reverence, adoration, and submission to God or a divine being; physically often expressed by bowing or prostrating oneself.
adon · Hebrew Noun
A term indicating a person in authority or a master; when used of God or a divine messenger, it signifies submission to His lordship and sovereignty.
ebed · Hebrew Noun
One who performs the will of another; in a biblical context, it describes a person totally devoted to the service and obedience of God.
This encounter with the "commander of the army of the LORD" before the conquest of Jericho highlights that Israel's battles are not their own, but the Lord's. It emphasizes divine leadership and the need for submission to His authority, setting the tone for the entire campaign.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Crosses the Jordan River
After forty years in the wilderness, the Israelites miraculously cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land, a pivotal moment marking the beginning of their conquest.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
The Lord Appears to Joshua
As Joshua prepares to lead Israel in the conquest of Canaan, a divine figure appears to him near Jericho, identifying himself as the commander of the Lord's army.
c. 1406 BC
The Fall of Jericho
Following God's instructions, the Israelites march around Jericho for seven days, and on the seventh day, the walls of the city miraculously collapse, leading to its destruction.
c. 1406 BC
The Battle of Ai
Following the victory at Jericho, Israel suffers a defeat at Ai due to sin within the camp, but later overcomes the city after purging the sin.
This passage mirrors Joshua's reaction of falling on his face and worshiping upon encountering the divine presence. Both instances highlight the awe-inspiring nature of God's direct manifestation and the reverence it demands.
Revelation 19:11-16This passage describes Jesus returning as a conquering king, leading heaven's armies with a sword drawn, much like the figure Joshua encounters. It powerfully illustrates the concept of the 'Captain of the Lord's host' in action, fulfilling His purposes with divine authority.
1 Corinthians 10:4This verse identifies Christ as the spiritual rock that followed Israel in the wilderness. This connects to Joshua 5:14 by suggesting that the same divine leader who guided Israel then was present with Joshua, leading them into the Promised Land.
Daniel 10:13This verse mentions Michael as the 'first of the chief princes,' suggesting a high-ranking angelic or divine leader. It provides a parallel to the commander's self-identification as the 'captain of the army of the LORD,' underscoring His supreme authority over heavenly forces.
These verses identify Jesus as the Word who was with God and was God, and who became flesh and dwelt among us. This theological concept underpins the understanding that the divine commander Joshua met was likely the pre-incarnate Christ, acting as the leader of God's people.
cambridgeJoshua 5:14: "And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?"
14 . as captain ] or rather, Prince of the host of Jehovah, i.e. of the Angelic Host, the Host of heaven. “I am prince of þe oost of þe Lord,” Wyclif. Compare the expressions “Jehovah of hosts,” or more fully “Jehovah, Lord of hosts” ( Jeremiah 5:14 ; Jeremiah 15:16 ; Isaiah 6:3 ; Psalm 24:10 ; P…
clarkeJoshua 5:14: "And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?"
But as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come - By this saying Joshua was both encouraged and instructed. As if he had said, "Fear not; Jehovah hath sent from heaven to save thee and thy people from the reproach of them that would swallow thee up. Israel is the Lord's host; and the Lord of…
What's easy to miss is that the figure identifies himself not just as a military leader, but as the "commander of the army of the Lord" – the heavenly host, the angels themselves. This isn't just a divine messenger; it's God's ultimate warrior, implying Joshua's battles are part of a cosmic conflict. Joshua's immediate prostration and worship reveals he understands he's in the presence of God himself, not merely an angel.
Just before this encounter, Joshua is by Jericho, likely surveying the formidable city and planning his strategy. Then, a striking figure appears with a drawn sword, prompting Joshua to question his allegiance. This verse captures the pivotal moment when Joshua realizes he's not facing an ordinary warrior but the divine Commander of the Lord's armies, leading him to fall in worship and seek divine instruction for the immense task ahead.
Just before this encounter, Joshua is by Jericho, likely surveying the formidable city and planning his strategy. Then, a striking figure appears with a drawn sword, prompting Joshua to question his allegiance. This verse captures the pivotal moment when Joshua realizes he's not facing an ordinary warrior but the divine Commander of the Lord's armies, leading him to fall in worship and seek divine instruction for the immense task ahead.
"And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?”" — What's easy to miss is that the figure identifies himself not just as a military leader, but as the "commander of the army of the Lord" – the heavenly host, the angels themselves. This isn't just a d…
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